The Chrysanthemum is November's Birth Flower

Everyone knows that they have a specific birthstone that is placed in jewelry and trinkets to signify the month they were born in. However, many people don't know that just like the stones, each month has a flower or two as well, which symbolizes birth. Here is the history and meaning behind your birth flower, the chrysanthemum.

November: Chrysanthemum Alternate: None

The Chrysanthemum, which is closely related to the daisy is often referred to by cultivators and gardeners as "mums". It currently includes about 30 species of perineal flowering plants which are native to Asia and northeastern Europe. At one point there were more species of the Chrysanthemum but the species was split.

The Chrysanthemum can grow between 50-150cm tall, has deep leaves and large flower heads with dozens of petals. The Chrysanthemum is most commonly found in shades of white, pink, red and yellow.

In parts of Asia the Chrysanthemum petals are boiled in order to make a sweet drink known as Chrysanthemum tea. It is believed that this tea has many medicinal uses including curing influenza.

The Chrysanthemum resembles a close cousin the mugwort weed which is often called the wild Chrysanthemum. Because of this many florists do not like to use the Chrysanthemum in floral arrangements. In some countries in Europe and in Japan, Chrysanthemum's are the symbol of death and only used in funeral arrangements, while the opposite is true in America where it is seen more as positive and cheerful.

Fun and interesting fact: An ancient Chinese city was named Chu-Hsien, meaning "chrysanthemum city". The flower was introduced into Japan probably in the 8th century CE, and the Emperor adopted the flower as his official seal. There is a "Festival of Happiness" in Japan that celebrates the flower.